From Belgium to Puerto Rico: My internship journey abroad as an EU student

I’m Célestine Vermeersch, a Belgian student of tourism and leisure management. I’m currently in my third and final year, when a 15-week internship is required. I immediately knew that I wanted to go on an internship outside of Europe because I realized that this could be a once in a lifetime opportunity. I would be living and working in a place far away from home for three months. With that in mind I started looking for an internship, and through a friend I got a tip: Rainforest Inn in Puerto Rico. I immediately sent them my CV. Everything went very smoothly! And before I knew it, the contract was signed!

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The airport process was not as difficult and scary as I thought it would be!

But after that I did more research and realized that I needed a J-1 visa to legally do an internship in Puerto Rico (part of the United States). At the moment I thought, If only I had stayed in Europe, this would not have been necessary. But I didn’t give up and started to find out what was needed to obtain that visa. In the beginning, I really didn’t understand any of it because there was so much to do with forms and fees. Fortunately, I got in touch with Belcham, an organization that arranges J-1 visas, among other things, and they got the ball rolling. Lots of documents were needed. I won’t go into too much detail because I don’t want to put you to sleep, but one thing I can tell you is that getting that visa was a rollercoaster full of tears and happiness. It took me more than three months to finally get it in my passport. But believe me, the euphoria I felt when I had the visa in my passport was huge!

Then, I was finally able to book my flights. Before I knew it, I was leaving Belgium behind me and on a plane towards Madrid, and then San Juan, Puerto Rico.

There I was, on the 1st of March, stressed out waiting at the airport for my turn at immigration. It had been a long time since I was so stressed, which is actually strange for someone who has all her documentation in order, right? But the people who work there really seem determined to rile you up. Thankfully, I survived the big test, and then I was in the car with Bill & Renée. Unbelievable how fast time goes by; meanwhile, I have been here for two months. Time flies when you’re having fun, right? Or yes, that’s what they say anyway.

Puerto Rico offers a stunning scenery!

So I’ve been here for a while now, and I haven’t regretted my choice to do an international internship for a single moment. The tears I shed for my J-1 visa were definitely worth it! Being far away from everything close to your heart is not always easy. But luckily there are Bill & Renée to help me when needed. Rainforest Inn is a magical place, run by two amazing people with the best staff you can imagine. It didn’t take long for me to create my new home for three months here. In fact, I never really felt uncomfortable as a European between these two Americans. After all, we are all human, and not that different!

So are you hesitating to come do an internship at Rainforest Inn and go to all that trouble for the visa?

“Don’t hesitate any longer and just do it, because what you get in return is truly priceless!”

Amazing Activities in Puerto Rico!

I’ve already been in Puerto Rico for almost 3 weeks and my journey has been filled with fun activities and will continue to be for the rest of my 6 weeks stay. During one of my free days, I went to a Beach in San Juan called “Isla Verde“. A very lively beach packed with people enjoying the hot sun and the warm blue water. It was such a nice moment to relax in front of the crashing waves and hearing the breeze coming from the ocean making the palm trees dance.

On my way to the beach, I experienced an interesting cultural shock. Drivers in Puerto Rico are quite different from up there in Canada. I was about to cross the street and literally had to jump into the traffic hoping they would stop for me. Where I live, there are usually designed spots for pedestrians to cross the streets safely where cars would give way to pedestrians. Quite terrifying at first, but you learn to appreciate the little differences in culture once you are there.

Another nice experience I lived was having dinner with Bill & Renee and some members of their family. It was a great opportunity to meet new people and also practice my English in real life situations. The food was also delicious and the guests were super nice to talk to!

One of the most well-known attractions of Puerto Rico is the San Sebastian Celebrations that take place the third week of January in the Old San Juan. During that festival, people dance to live music in the streets and can enjoy typical puerto rican delicacies. Definitely a must-do activity if you are visiting the Island of Puerto Rico. I will for sure try to experience it myself if I come back here.

Next week, I will do something called bio bay which consists of a kayak tour to observe bioluminescent microorganism in the water. I will also discover the diverse and unique biodiversity of the island during the tour. I can’t wait to experience this opportunity that I am really grateful to have!

- Oliver

What a Journey

I’ve spent three wonderful months in Puerto Rico as an intern for the Rainforest Inn. Bill and Renee have been my biggest teachers and mentors as I’ve grown as a professional in the hospitality industry, and also as a person. Not only did they guide me and show me how their establishment is run behind the scenes, and guided me as I shared my professional goals with them, but they also guided and supported me through everything I wanted to experience while I was here.

Living at the Rainforest Inn has been a true blessing, I’ve had so many laughs, and formed a connection with my mentors that I’ve never experienced in any workplace. They gave me opportunities to travel and explore on my off days, and I feel like I lived a whole new life within itself in only three months. What a crazy summer.. I made new friends, lost some, fell in and then right back out of love, I have unforgettable stories to tell and look back on. In this final post, I’d like to share a recap of all the things I experienced this summer and I hope that it shows you how beautiful of an opportunity interning in Puerto Rico, at the Rainforest Inn, can be.

What do these photos show that I did?

I had amazing breakfasts, every day

I learned how to make a charcuterie board, the Rainforest Inn Grazing Board

I tried KFC for the first time with Renee

I made art, and in the sand, I played.

I went to the beach, and tried Puerto Rican snacks with a new friend

I tried Jamaican food, and was given more than enough for what I spent

I went out- Bill told me I’m a rockstar

I watched a Puerto Rican “hood classic", it is the story of “Daddy Yankee” and as a musician.

I hung out with two fur babies

I made new artist friends, I saw them perform in venues, decorated ornately.

Some friends from Dallas came and hung out with me

We all tried Puerto Rican street food and treats

We stayed up until the sun came out

A local welcomed me into her home, we drank coffee, ate cake, and talked by the hour.

I had pizza and wine at the beach

At the Inn, I observed the sky, I felt at peace

I cooked for me, Renee, and Bill, I perfected cooking fish

I went out (again) and the fun I had is the type that some can only wish

I learned how make art within a cappuccino

I tried new desayuno Latino

I went to my first jazz club

After the rain, there were double rainbows above

I had a sleepover with Livi and Gracie, they showed me nothing but love

I tried an amazing pink smoothie in Condado

I sat curtside at basketball game, magically invited a pro

I watched the sun rise, it’s important to take these moments in, remember to go slow..

For in Puerto Rico I crossed bridges, that to the fullest, only I could know.

Sarai

In moments where Bill and Renee could have been selfish, they were selfless, and they always made sure that I was safe and taken care of. To those considering becoming an intern here, know that while environment may be completely different than what you are used to, every moment of it all is worth it. Be the one who steps outside of the box— How many people get to say they lived & interned in a rainforest? ;)

“There’s no chance unless you take one”

Thank you for everything!

- Sarai

Skills and Projects During Your Internship

During your internship at Rainforest Inn, you will have a myriad of things to do. The internship isn’t limited to serving the guests breakfast and coffee and doing check-outs and check-ins. You will get more and more responsibilities during the period you’re here. Bill & Renée told me in the beginning of my internship that the main goal is getting to know all the aspects of operating and managing a bed & breakfast. So, if you don’t really know what to expect from this internship, let me tell you something about what skills you’re expected to have and what you will be doing!

The coffee station where you will practice your latte art every morning

The most important responsibility you will get here is customer service. Customer service is paramount. Every morning you will help out with the coffees and serving breakfast. Other aspects of customer service are checking out the guests in the morning and checking new guests in during the afternoon/evening. Also talking to them and helping with planing their vacation activities. As a hospitality student, it’s important that you have good social skills, chat with the guests in the morning and when checking them in. The most important part is, of course, that they feel welcome. And don’t worry when you can’t do any latte art, Bill will be happy to teach you everything about it!

During your free time, Bill & Renée will be happy to show you some places on the island, such as Luquillo Beach!

Another skill that you’re expected to have is that you know something about communication or marketing. Rainforest Inn uses all kinds of marketing tools to reach a wider audience. A variety of social media is used such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok… The website where you’re reading this blogpost right now is something that comes with lots of work. A lot of effort is put into all of the information you can find on here. Aside from this blog for interns, there’s the Innkeepers Blog, used to reach future guests! So obviously, helping out with their marketing is something you will have to do. Every day you’ll have some free hours, and some days you’ll have projects as what I’m doing right now. So, you should have some communication/marketing skills. Nowadays, almost every intern has lots of digital skills, which is very useful during this internship! 

As I said before, they want to show you all the aspects of running your own Bed & Breakfast. So being open-minded, being prepared to do something extra is something that’s part of the job. You will have days where you may have to help the staff, make lunch for the guests or do some other extra things. These won’t be things you will have to do every day, but it’s important you know how everything is done so whenever there is too much work, you can help out where needed. You will learn learn all aspects of operating a boutique bed and breakfast..

7 Days in Heaven

Sarai (Me) on the left side of the photo, my best friend Jesstyn is in the middle, and my good friend Henrietta is on the right!

I could only imagine the joy I’d feel once I took my first steps off of the plane landing at the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport. The air was much clearer than what I’d previously become accustomed to in Dallas, which had been dealing with fog, smog, and air quality levels that make you question whether not you should really breathe in the air around you or if you’re better off with a gas mask. After I grabbed my bags, I stepped outside and felt the relief of being back in the place that I loved visiting the most. I visited San Juan earlier this year in February for my 21st birthday with my best friend, Jesstyn, and my good friend Henrietta. We had a blast!

After visiting Puerto Rico for my birthday, I knew this was an island I wanted to come back and keep exploring. Everything from the kind people, to the culture and the views, made me fall completely in love within a span of four days

After an amazing 21st birthday trip, I got back home in Dallas and I continued on with pursuing my degree in Hospitality Management. Approaching my final year, it was finally time to decide where I would start applying for internships. It was hard to find a good fit until I came across an internship opportunity with the Rainforest Inn.

I sent over my resume and had a virtual interview through Skype with Bill and Renée. During my interview, I got to meet Sarah and Issam, who were both interns here before me, and they had nothing but great things to say! They were actually all on their way to the beach, how fun! Before I knew it, I had landed my internship and was landing at the airport!

This was the first time we ever hung out, awkward. She doesn’t look at me like this anymore.

Bill and Renée came to pick me up after I landed around 6pm. We went and got sandwiches from a place called “El Meson“ — which is a locally owned restaurant chain. I tried Renée’s favorite sandwich that she recommended, and it was really good! After we ate, we started heading to the inn and I was able to get settled. There was a drive up a long winding road into the mountain, and even though I knew I was going to a rainforest, this was when everything really sunk in. Going to sleep for the first time that night was new, as I’ve learned through personal experience now that the coquis love to sing at night (they sound like birds)! They did sing me to sleep, so much so that I slept through my alarm and was actually late for my first day (We all laughed it off but I was actually veryyy embarrassed). Luckily Bill and Renée are both very understanding people and weren’t upset with me about it at all.

On my first day, I learned how to make a cappuccino, and had a failed first attempt at latte art, but after a few failed attempts at learning how to steam milk, I finally got it down! On my first day I also met Miss. Gracie who was giving me the awkward side eye…

After making coffees and meeting Gracie for the first time, I got to sit down and try breakfast for the first time. One thing I really looked forward to coming here was trying the vegetarian breakfasts because I’d told myself prior to getting my internship that I wanted to be exposed to cooking more and more healthy options. I tried their vegetarian breakfast tacos with were absolutely phenomenal! The mango juice that went with it as well was great!

After breakfast, I got to explore the property a bit and and finally see everything in the daylight. The pictures on the website of this inn are amazing, but they really don’t do it justice. The property truly is beautiful, is the place to be for anyone who loves nature.

After I spent my first week learning how to make coffees and complimentary piña coladas, our delicious grazing boards and picnic lunch sandwiches, and also learning how to check guests in and out of the inn, I had my first set of days off! Renée dropped me off in the town of Luquillo and I spent my first day off at the beach! It’s been a long time since I’ve been to a beach, and I had so much fun! Despite being alone, I felt very safe walking around.

Check out my instagram reels and TikTok below to check out my day in Luquillo and to follow my journey as an intern here!

Overall, my first 7 days at the Rainforest Inn were absolutely amazing. I had so much fun even on the days that I was working, and I’m looking forward to all of the things that I can learn, and all of the ways I can grow while I’m here. It’s been a blessing to meet Bill and Renee, who are both so supportive of my dreams and helping me grow in every way that they can possibly help with. If you check out my social media, you’ll see that while I’m in school for Hospitality Management, I’m also pursuing a career as a musical artist. They have both been so open minded, accepting, and supportive of my journey. I look forward to my growth here, but I also deeply look forward to supporting them in theirs. Cheers to my first 7 Days in Heaven, and to many more!

You can check out my "Come with me to become a Hospitality Management Intern in El Yunque" TikTok here as well!

My First Weeks as an Intern

Imagine an internship at a boutique bed & breakfast nestled in the heart of a lush rainforest in Puerto Rico. It was precisely the opportunity I stumbled upon while seeking an engaging internship in the tourism/hospitality sector. In this article, I will guide you through my application process and recount how I came to be composing this piece from the incredible Rainforest Inn!

After one week of practicing, I finally made my first latte art

This adventure began after much online research and eventually led me to the Rainforest Inn. After reading their backstory and learning about their experience hosting interns, I decided to send them my resume along with an enthusiastic email.

In no time, I received a response from the owners, Bill & Renée, asking me to schedule a video conference via Skype. This provided me with the opportunity to virtually meet them, ask questions, and get a glimpse of the property. During the call, they discussed their expectations for interns and inquired about what I hoped to achieve during my time there.

The application process and the communication I had with Bill & Renée highlighted their dedication towards the interns!

Gracie loves to help you out every morning while you’re making coffees for the guests

Even though I was already convinced, I needed the permission of my home university. I further discussed with Bill and Renée what my assignments would be, gave the information to my professor, and finally received confirmation! After signing the internship contract, it was time for the next step: arranging all the practical matters. Some necessary items for the internship include a round-trip ticket and your ID/passport. It is also crucial to have health insurance and/or travel insurance, as you never know what will happen in the future, of course!

After successfully completing the interview process, which is easy if you are interested in this industry and willing to make a full commitment, I started organizing everything to be ready for take-off! The communication with the owners was smooth and transparent, which allowed me to confidently prepare for my adventure in Puerto Rico.

Bill & Renée love to let you taste some of the sweets Puerto Rico has to offer, these are some typical coconut cookies!

This experience not only offers an engaging internship but also promises an unforgettable adventure amidst Puerto Rico’s natural beauty. For me, this application process and the communication I had with Bill & Renée highlighted their dedication towards the interns and they will be glad to help you in every step of the way. So if you’re dreaming of an internship in this incredible environment, I highly recommend this place!

A Day in the Life of a Hospitality Intern at the Rainforest Inn

Have you ever worked somewhere so beautiful?

Every day is a new experience here at the Rainforest Inn. With guests checking in and out almost every day, as well as different interns and volunteers coming and going, you’re guaranteed to meet some great people and learn something new!

We start each morning by preparing and serving coffee to our guests, and of course, we have to make a cup (or two) for ourselves. We also help serve breakfast to our guests and help out with the preparation if it’s needed. Once all of the food and drinks are served and the kitchen is cleaned, we get to take a little break for ourselves to eat breakfast.

Preparing espresso will be one of the first things you'll learn.

Serving our breakfast tacos!

What comes next after breakfast depends on the day. There will typically be a few check-outs after breakfast since our check-out time is 11:00 am. Check-outs are very simple and only take a few minutes. This will also be the time to make any lunches or grazing boards that have been ordered. We also help the staff with cleaning out the rooms of guests who have checked out, as well as refreshing the rooms for our current guests.

Vegetarian Grazing Boards can be ordered for lunch or dinner.

After guests are checked out, lunches are made, and rooms are cleaned, we get to take a break for lunch, and then start up any special projects that might need to be completed around the property. There might be a room that needs a fresh coat of paint, or a garden that needs tending to. If there aren’t any projects that need to be completed, you will have free time until it’s time to get ready for check-ins. This would be a great time to work on any homework or internship-specific projects you may have (like for me, writing this blog!). You are also welcome to do the private hike we have here on the property or take a dip in the pool if there aren’t any guests signed up to use it during your free time.

Complementary piña coladas at check-in always make the guests excited for their stay!

Guests will start checking in a 4:00 pm, but there will sometimes be early check-ins (and sometimes super late check-ins close to midnight!). We have to get all of the paperwork ready, and put together any grazing boards or flower arrangements that the guests have ordered to have in their room upon arrival. Guest check-ins are also a very simple process- we prepare complimentary piña coladas, give them a tour of the property, and answer any questions they may have.

Once the all of guests are checked in, you will be free for the rest of the evening (unless something comes up, keep your work phone close by!).

View from our private Lost Machete Hike.

Be sure to bring some good hiking shoes with you!

Unlike breakfast and lunch where you are on your own, all of the interns, volunteers, and owners come together for dinner. We like to experiment with new recipes and take turns with the preparation and cleaning. It’s always something delicious and healthy, especially if Renée is cooking!

A photo from my trip to the stunning Playa Flamenco

Every day here is going to look a bit different. Some days you’ll get to go into town with Renée to shop for supplies, some days you’ll have loads of free time, and some days you’ll be exhausted from a day full of work. The Bed & Breakfast is an extremely beautiful place, and getting days off each week to explore places like Luquillo, San Juan, and Culebra, makes this, in my opinion, one of the best hospitality internships you could find.